Alina Popescu's Blog

Having an eSIM is a game-changer for travellers. eSIM help helps eliminate roaming charges while ensuring that you get seamless connectivity of an eSIM. It is a reliable, safe, and secure option compared to a physical eSIM.

Check out the blog below to understand the key importance of owning an eSIM. 

1. Instant connectivity 

You do not have to stand in long queues when you enter a foreign country to avail of a sim card. It has become more convenient and easy with an eSIM. With just a simple activation process, you can activate your eSIM and enjoy seamless connectivity without any hassle. 

2. No extra effort 

eSIM is just embedded in your device’s hardware. One does not need to carry any extra physical sim cards or any extra device. There is no added hassle or effort associated with an eSIM. You can make the most out of your visit to the USA by having a strong network connection with the entire team. 

3. Secure and Reliable 

eSIM tech is based on robust security measures and ensures the safety of transactions. By using authentication measures it makes sure that your account, data, and credentials are safe and there is no compromise on privacy.

4. 4. Seamless coverage across the USA. 

The USA is a vast country and eSIM can help you be connected with the world while you explore the USA. eSIM USA travel works with multiple carriers and ensures seamless coverage across the entire country. 

Mobimatter: Your destination to avail of the right eSIM. 

We provide you with multiple packages in eSIM so that you do not have to wait for a plan that matches you. Check out our plan for the 20g esim USA. 

1. USA Plus 20GB plan 

1. This plan is valid for 30 days. 

2. The data availability is 20 GB. 

3. The price of the plan is 35.99 USD. 

4. It works in more than 47+ destinations. 

5. It is available for $1.80 per GB. 

6. This plan is best for people who want to have seamless coverage.

Details to the USA Plus 20GB plan 

1. The validity of the plan starts upon downloading the eSIM to your device. 

2. It is a one-time prepaid package. There are no auto-renewals and contracts associated with the plan. 

3. It provides full data speed without any hassle 

4. The eSIM automatically connects to a major local mobile network. 

5. It does not come with a phone number. It is just a data-only eSIM.

–

MobiMatter brings you the best of network technology. We provide you with the best network technology and make sure that you be connected to a network wherever you go. We have a wide variety of plans catering to people from different spheres of life and one can simply choose the plan that best matches their requirement. From 20GB to 5GB, we have a plan with multiple data capacities to suit your dynamic needs. 

Check out our website to know more!

The post Traveling to the USA? Here’s Why You Need a 20GB eSIM appeared first on Exquisite Goods.

Qatar, one of the wealthiest nations and the world’s top exporters of liquefied natural gas, provides locals and foreigners with an excellent environment for real estate investments.

Thousands of people relocate to Qatar annually, initially attracted by the country’s excellent economic prospects and staying for a high standard of living. Real estate investments have a high potential for profitability due to the ongoing influx of people who need to find homes.

Furthermore, as part of its long-term strategy to diversify the economy, Qatar has been increasing efforts to grow its tourism sector. The nation has launched several initiatives to strengthen its reputation as a prestigious international destination, the FIFA World Cup in 2022 being just one of them. There is consequently anticipated growth in demand for secondary residences, as well as for rental and commercial properties.

Who Can Own Property in Qatar?

The following individuals and entities are permitted to purchase and possess real estate in Qatar:

Qatari nationals.GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) nationals.Foreigners (Non-Qataris and non-GCC citizens).

Freehold and leasehold properties are the two types of real estate that non-GCC foreign individuals and companies may own.

Freehold Properties

Freehold properties cover both the structure and the surrounding property. They can be bought and owned by non-Qataris, but only in specific regions of the nation.

Leasehold Properties

Foreigners are also permitted to sign leasehold agreements, which grant lessees the right to use a building for 99 years. Leasehold contracts are only allowed in specific locations, just like freehold properties, but leasehold properties can be used for residential and commercial purposes. A leasehold property’s building or structure may be owned by foreigners but not the land on which it is situated.

Foreigners may be granted residency status in Qatar if they own a freehold property, which may extend to their family members so long as the foreigner owns the property. Foreigners must possess a valid Qatar visa before signing a leasehold agreement.

Regulations On Real Estate Ownership by Foreign Nationals

In 2018, Qatar passed a law allowing more foreign ownership in the country’s real estate market, which had been severely impacted in recent years by an oversupply brought on by a rush of building ahead of the country’s hosting of the 2022 World Cup.

Qatar has opened up more areas of the country to foreign companies and individuals owning real estate to advance in the real estate market, hasten economic growth, and stimulate the real estate industry.

Property Ownership for Foreigners

Non-Qataris or foreigners can own property in the following areas:

Al Dafna (administrative area).Al Khor Resort.Al Qassar (administrative area).Al Wasil.Jabal Thaileb (investment area).Khraij.Onaiza (administrative area).Qatifiya West Bay.Rawadat Al-Jahaniyah (investment area).The Pearl.Property Lease for Foreigners

Foreigners may lease real estate in the following areas:

Al-Ghanim Al-Ateeq.Al-Khalaifat.Al-Mirqab Al Jadeed.Al-Riffa and Al-Hitmi Al-Ateeq.Al-Sadd.Aslata.Doha Jadeeda.Doha International Airport area.Fareej Abdul Aziz.Fareej Al Nasr.Fareej Bin Dirham.Fereej Bin Mahmoud 22.Fereej Bin Mahmoud 23.Mansoura.Msheireb.Najma.Rawdat Al Khail.Umm Ghuwailina.

With a few exceptions, buyers of properties costing 3.65 million riyals (roughly $1 million) or more are qualified for permanent residency with access to healthcare, education, and other benefits.

Individuals and their families can obtain residency permits renewed without an employer’s sponsorship if they purchase homes worth at least 730,000 riyals.

The post Who Can Own Real Estate in Qatar? appeared first on Exquisite Goods.

Ancient Egypt, once home to the Pharaohs, is now a tourist mecca known for its stunning architecture and fascinating history. Egypt is a diverse travel destination with activities for everyone, from 4WD desert safaris to scuba diving at the Red Sea’s world-famous coral reefs and shipwrecks to a relaxing cruise down the Nile.

Our list of the top sights and locations to see in Egypt will help you organise your sightseeing.

Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza are one of the most well-known landmarks in the world and one of the last surviving examples of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Most tourists’ first stop in Egypt is at the Sphinx-guarded Valley of the Kings, where they can see the tombs of Pharaohs Cheops (Khufu), Chephren (Khafre), and Mycerinus (Menkaure).

These megalithic tombs for ancient Egyptian pharaohs continue to be awe-inspiring sights on the outskirts of Cairo’s metropolitan sprawl.

Luxor’s Temples & Tombs

Tourists flock to Luxor, Egypt, on the Nile because of its proximity to the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and the Memorial Temple of Hatshepsut.

The pharaohs of the New Kingdom ruled from this location, ancient Thebes. Most people would need to come back more than once to see everything worth seeing.

On the east bank of Luxor are the two temples of Karnak and Luxor, the museum, and the modern city with its bustling souq. The west bank of Luxor, which has so many tombs and temples that it has been dubbed the largest open-air museum in the world, is where you can find most of the city’s tourist attractions.

Spend a few days in Luxor exploring the colourful tomb wall art and marvelling at the enormous columns in the temples. You’ll understand why this city continues to captivate historians and archaeologists.

Cruising the Nile

The Nile is the lifeblood of Egypt. The most memorable part of many visitors’ trips to Egypt is a cruise down this historic canal, which was instrumental in the rise to power of the Pharaohs.

Aswan

Aswan, located along the Nile’s winding banks, is one of Egypt’s quietest cities. The orange dunes provide a picturesque backdrop for a peaceful getaway.

Abu Simbel

You can find a lot of temples in Egypt, but none compare to Abu Simbel. Ramses II built a large temple here. Outside, towering statues act as sentries; inside, exquisite wall paintings adorn the walls.

Diving the Red Sea

Another fascinating world exists below the surface of the Red Sea, just like the temples and tombs on land.

The Red Sea is a popular diving destination due to its abundance of sharks, dolphins, turtles, rays, and dugongs, as well as its soft corals.

The most popular diving destination is Sharm el-Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula, closest to Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran Reefs.

Explore Islamic Cairo

Mosques, madrassas, and monuments from the Fatimid to the Mameluke eras fill the capital’s atmospheric, narrow lanes of Islamic Cairo.

Visit Khan el-labyrinth Khalili’s shopping souq, where coppersmiths and artisans still have tiny workshops and sell ceramics, textiles, spice, and perfume. Roads surround the souq with some of the best-preserved Islamic architecture. History abounds here. Visit Al-Azhar Mosque and Sultan Hassan Mosque, and climb to the roof of Bab Zuweila’s medieval gate for the best minaret-studded views of the district.

The post Top Sightseeing Destinations in Egypt appeared first on Exquisite Goods.

Fifa World Cup fans will be welcomed at the Abu Samra land border crossing between Saudi Arabia and Qatar starting on November 1 and lasting through December 23.

According to a statement from the Qatari Ministry of Interior, visitors who have a special entry permit and intend to enter the country by the Abu Samra border in a vehicle must also have a valid vehicle entry permit obtained through the Hayya platform. With improved amenities and free parking, the border crossing can now handle 4,000 travellers per hour and is open to tourists.

Border crossing entry procedures are categorised as follows:

Those Who Possess Qatari ID Cards Include Citizens, Residents, And GCC Nationals (Cars with Qatari Number Plates).

They will be required to enter Qatar regularly, provided that:

– They must be transported in a vehicle with a Qatari licence plate.

– A Hayya card is not required.

Fans With Special Permission

– For a minimum of 5 nights, the driver must have a confirmed lodging arrangement approved through the Hayya platform.

– All passengers in the car must have a Hayya card, and there must be a minimum of three and no more than six total.

– On the official Hayya website, request a vehicle entry permit. If the application is accepted, the applicant will get an email with a link to obtain car insurance online.

– After completing the insurance, the applicant must return to the platform within 24 hours to obtain the permit by paying a QAR 5,000 non-refundable fee (Dh5,043).

– The vehicle entry permit is only valid for one vehicle. Visitors are not permitted to drive in restricted areas (A-Ring and B-Ring roads, as well as roads and intersections leading to them).

One-day-fan

Anyone entering or leaving Qatar for a match or matches within 24 hours may do so without making hotel reservations. They must, however, fulfil the following conditions to be admitted.

– Hold a Hayya Card (One-day-fan category).

– Before travelling to Qatar, one can reserve a parking spot at the border using the Hayya platform.

– For the first 24 hours after entry, parking is free.

– For the second day, a service fee of QAR 1,000 will be applied. A further towing fee of QAR 1,000 (Dh1,008) will be charged if the vehicle is left parked for more than 48 hours after entry. A link sent to the email address registered on the platform allows for electronic payment.

– From the Abu Samra checkpoint, take a bus to Doha Central Station (Al Messila) or the Al Qalayel gathering place for families and friends.

– With the Hayya card, the parking reservation service will be accessible beginning on November 1, 2022.

Humanitarian Cases

For those without a Hayya card (through airports only), please follow these instructions:

Apply online at www.moi.gov.qa, the Ministry of Home Affairs website.

Applications are processed within six hours.When conditions are met, the applicant will receive approval via email.The permit is single-use.

 Commercial trucks will be allowed to cross the border at the Abu Samra Border Crossing from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. from November 15 to December 22, 2022, to ensure easy access for football fans.

The post Qatar announces land entry for UAE & Saudi fans. appeared first on Exquisite Goods.

The doors to the world of luxury are wide open at Sharjah Ladies Club Beach.

Admire your lovely self, satisfy your taste, shine brightly with grace, and unleash the artist in you. All in one place!

It’s time to kick off the weekend with Sharjah Ladies Club Private Beach and reclaim your energy by trying something new.

Sharjah Ladies Club GatewaysHealth And Beauty

Reclaim your youth and shine brightly with Sharjah Ladies Club Beach. Check out their health and beauty facilities below.

Dalouk Wellness Spa

To truly relax, visit Dalouk Wellness Spa at Sharjah Ladies Club. Enjoy the luxury with the help of their certified therapists, state-of-the-art facilities, and all-natural products.

You can now enjoy their services in the privacy and convenience of your own home! Contact them to schedule a free consultation with one of their therapists and to learn more about delivery options and pricing.

Orchid Beauty Boutique

Orchid Beauty Boutique is where elegance and beauty meet. You can find premium treatments and services performed by experts who have received extensive training from leading luxury brands. Orchid Beauty Boutique has you covered whether you need a simple makeup look or a full-scale makeover.

You can now buy and enjoy their products at home. To learn more about pricing and delivery details, contact them for a free consultation with one of the experts.

Fitness 180° Center

The ladies-only gym is the place to be for women who are serious about fitness and want to take their routine to the next level. The fitness center features state-of-the-art machines, instructor-led classes, and cutting-edge technology from manufacturers worldwide. Group fitness challenges, personal trainers, and Technoshape classes all take place in an energetic and motivating environment.

Reach out to them, and they’ll put you in touch with a specialist who will gladly answer your questions at no cost.

Sports Complex

Do you want to try something different? You might find it at Sharjah indoor sports. Sharjah Ladies Club Sports Complex is only for female athletes. It is a private setting where you can exercise and have fun at the beach, swimming pools, ice rink, and outdoor tennis courts.

Ice Skating

Ice Skating is a fun way to get in shape, build muscles, and improve your balance. The rink caters specifically to females and young skaters. In addition, ice skating shows are held annually, as well as ice skating classes for skaters of all ages and skill levels.

The Olympic and Leisure Pools

Refreshing your body, mind, and spirit through the sport of swimming makes it one of the best recreational activities. The Olympic-sized pool hosts swimming classes for people of all ages, beginning at the tender age of four. Spending time in the indoor leisure pool or the outdoor children’s pool is a great way to make beautiful memories with your family.

A beach just for the ladies

Make the most of the sun at the ladies-only beach and spend time unwinding and working on your tan. Don’t miss out on the regular events for moms and kids and water sports like paddle boarding and kayaking.

High-Quality Tennis Facility

The outdoor tennis courts are exclusively for women, making Sharjah Ladies Club the first to offer such amenities. Additionally, they offer group and individual lessons, highly trained and experienced coaches, and various games and events.

Hospitality

You are welcome at Sharjah Ladies Club with delectable food and beverages; check out their options today.

Lafeef Restaurant

Lafeef Restaurant is a fine dining experience known for its warm atmosphere. Lafeef Restaurant offers modern and traditional dishes prepared by an experienced team. The restaurant’s beach views make it ideal for breakfast or lunch buffets, business meetings, or special occasions.

Treat yourself to something tasty while taking in the picturesque view by ordering from the Summer Seasonal Menu. 

Kunooz Events and Catering

Kunooz is perfect for celebrations, whether it’s weddings, graduations, conferences, and more. The ballrooms can accommodate up to 700 guests and be divided into three spaces. Indoor and outdoor catering services are also available, with menus featuring international and Arabic dishes.

Collage Café

If you’re looking to unwind, Collage Café has a beachfront terrace where you can bring a book and enjoy the scenery. We take pride in making a wide variety of delicious freshly baked goods, salads, sandwiches, and desserts made from scratch using only the best ingredients.

Lamma Picnic

Picnic with loved ones without worrying about preparation! Lamma offers packages for bridal showers, birthdays, and more. This beach set up will guarantee a great time with family and friends.

Art And Education

Sharjah Ladies Club offers art centers to help you discover your inner artist. Check them out below.

Collage Talent Center

Collage Talent Center allows women and children to learn new or discover hidden talents. Tiny Talents and afternoon programmes encourage the youngest students to learn through play, acquiring essential knowledge and improving social and behavioral skills. Collage Talent Center offers ballet, art, piano, languages like Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French and more, yoga, fashion, and children’s birthday parties.

You can now enjoy products from the convenience of your own home! Don’t hesitate to contact us for delivery details, and pricing.

Basateen Preschool Center

Basateen Preschool Center prioritizes your children’s education. This safe environment allows your children to learn and explore while having fun. We deliver a curriculum that builds children’s competence and confidence.

Conclusion

All in one place! Can this be more beautiful? Sharjah Ladies Club provides an integrated system for caring for your beauty, health, talents, and self-entertainment. Contact them now at

P. O. Box: 5588, Sharjah, UAE

Email: mainrecp@slc.ae

Tel: +971 6 5067777

Fax: +971 6 5657799

WhatsApp: +971 56 2181130

The post Sharjah Ladies Club Beach and Activities appeared first on Exquisite Goods.

Sending a gift to a family member or a friend in the UAE is easy, even if you’re not physically present. Simple taps on your phone or mouse clicks on your computer are all that you need. 

Send a thoughtful gift to a distant friend or loved one in the UAE on their birthday or another happy occasion using the UAE’s most popular online shopping sites.

Apple

The quality of its goods has astonished millions of customers. With the Mac, iPhone, accessories, AirPods, HomePods, gift cards, and many other products and services, Apple has a strong presence in the e-commerce world.

Although Apple’s first product was the Apple I computer, the company has since evolved to produce cutting-edge items that simplify daily life. By investing in gadgets like smartwatches and mobile phones, Apple is helping reshape the technological world and enabling users to take full advantage of it.

To offer Dubai an excellent customer experience, Apple opened its two largest stores there in 2015. The primary goal of Apple was to expand into Dubai and achieve maximum success there. The massive sales of its products have made Dubai the world’s largest outlet, vastly boosting the UAE economy.

Amazon

Instead of calling Amazon one of the best companies in the UAE, we’ll refer to it as “The king of the e-commerce world.” Amazon’s consolidated net sales revenue reached 469.82 billion US dollars in 2021.

By utilising the newest technologies and trends to assist customers in finding, discovering, and purchasing anything, Amazon strives to be the most customer-centric on Earth. Additionally, the company does the best job of enabling content producers and small and large-scale businesses to succeed to the fullest.

Noon

Noon’s global net sales reached 251.7 million US dollars in 2021. One of the UAE’s most well-liked online shopping destinations is Noon, where everything is for sale, including clothing, makeup, and electronics. Although you can choose express delivery to get your products the next day, the typical delivery time is between 3 and 5 working days. Some credit cards offer convenient monthly payments for phones, laptops, and other items. 

Carrefour UAE

Carrefour was introduced to the region in 1995 by Majid Al Futtaim, based in the United Arab Emirates. Majid Al Futtaim owns the operations in the area and is the sole franchisee for Carrefour in over 30 nations throughout the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Majid Al Futtaim currently runs over 320 Carrefour stores in 16 countries, providing service to over 750,000 customers daily while working with over 37,000 co-workers.

After a long day of laborious work, you must use the Carrefour online platform to shop for your household necessities, including food, drinks, household goods, cosmetics, electronics, stationery, and many other items.

Conclusion

There are many other e-commerce websites as the UAE continuously thrives in the e-commerce market. Our article merely summarises the most well-liked online shopping sites in the UAE.

The post Famous Online Shopping Sites in the UAE appeared first on Exquisite Goods.

MAGIC UNLEASHED

Genre: gay romance, gay fiction, fantasy, magic, light BDSM

Main characters: Eikki (spell caster) and Charis (familiar)

Blurb: coming soon! It entails magic, two stubborn men, and lots of steamy stuff (at least somewhere down the line)

Length: Anywhere between novella and novel? Read and see!

Chapter I – Absent Choice

Chapter II – What Makes a Home

Chapter III – Rules of the Game

Chapter IV – Not all the Way Through

Chapter V – Cold, Hard Light of Day

Chapter VI – Herald of Doom

Chapter VII – Of Claims and Bonds

Chapter VIII – Enemies and Truths

Chapter X – You Can Never Go Back Home

Blunt Magic and Crooked Spells

“Dark Magic bonds allow the spell caster and their familiar to establish a psychic bond. They can communicate across vast distances and even when either (or both) is (are) asleep. Dream imagery forces them to communicate through symbolic suggestions rather than straightforward exchanges, thus being open to interpretation.”

I growled at the book the library had allowed me to take out and dropped it on the small side table I’d pulled next to my armchair. If Eikki hadn’t insisted on giving me time, if I’d been more convincing, I’d share this magical bond with him. I’d know where he was. I wouldn’t worry about why he was so late.

A few days, a week at most, that was what his note had promised. Three weeks had passed since his departure and I was no closer to locating him now than I’d been when I’d thrown myself into this foolish research.

There was an entire book on location spells in the library, but it wouldn’t allow me to pull it out. I’d tried to force it out and the magical forces protecting it had zapped me and sent me flying across the room. I begrudgingly admired the grace and subtlety of this protective spell. Not only did it know how high up my magical understanding I was, when it repelled my attacks and turned me into a human projectile, it never damaged any of the books or the shelves storing them. Now that I thought about it, it even spared Eikki’s old and battered furniture.

I closed my eyes and focus. There was this faint tingle I could feel and I knew it was Eikki’s presence in this world. Not enough to reach out in any meaningful way, but I at least knew he was out there, somewhere. Alive.

“Damn you for leaving me here and never sending word.” I’d muttered like that a lot, my way of dealing with the fear that had taken hold of me and kept growing, reaching depths I never knew I was capable of.

“Right. What now?”

I pushed myself up and grabbed the still sharp charcoal stick and a sheet of rough paper. I’d planned to take a lot of notes on potential spells, but I’d found nothing useful so far. I dragged the large mobile staircase to one end of the library and went up to the very top. There had to be more books in here that might reference a locating spell I was low level enough to try.

It all depended on the library’s interpretation of my abilities. My magic was strong, few matched my gifts in Zalmos. I still was no more than a familiar. My training had always revolved around mine being a supporting role. I needed a caster to put my magical energy to good use. It wasn’t unheard of, a familiar casting spells. Our connection with our animal spirit and the way we shifted back and forth was, at its core, an instinctual type of spell casting. A novice, definitely, but I hoped the protective spell could sense the potential within.

I’d learned a lot over the past three weeks. At first, I’d wanted to impress Eikki with my progress when he returned. Then, it had become a way to keep myself from worrying incessantly. Now… now I feared no one would be looking for Eikki unless I did it. I knew he wouldn’t have stayed away this long if it were up to him. Or he’d at least sent word. I needed help, I knew as much. Who could I call? The Council and my parents would be useless. I had no one else to turn to. I’d never felt this powerless in my entire life.

The list of books kept growing and I moved up and down the shelves, left to right, until I’d written down all the titles in the library that could help me. I decided not to try and force my way through again. Certainly not from atop the moving staircase. If I managed to break my neck, I couldn’t help Eikki.

I ended up with ten battered tomes. When I inspected them again, I realized they’d been the stuff I added to my list just in case, a last resort of sorts. I’d guessed they were the lowest level of magic and the library had agreed with me. I grumbled my discontent and started reading.

Books had always fascinated me. Magic books more than any others. Today I found them dry and boring. These introductions to magic were so basic, kids who’d barely started training as spell casters or familiars knew all about their content. Other than a few final chapters, nothing seemed useful.

By the fifth book, I’d started to lose hope. I needed to stop, otherwise I risked missing something because I’d already decided it wouldn’t be there. I couldn’t eat or sleep or go for a walk, I’d feel guilty about slacking off. I instead decided to take care of the practical aspects of my journey. I’d need food, maps, coins. Eikki had spelled his kitchen so nothing would spoil. I couldn’t recreate that spell so I’d need to pay for my future meals while traveling.

Familiars never had to worry about their finances. Spell casters, even the lower level ones, were treasured throughout the realms. And they were rewarded for their efforts. It helped that most races feared angering a magic user. Eikki and I had had other issues to bicker over. I’d never bothered to ask about these things. So here I was, unsure of his wealth or lack thereof, where to find everything, or who to borrow from if needed.

Eikki had a small desk in the library. I’d watched him sit there and write letters or bend over ledgers many times. I approached it carefully, wondering what spells he’d used to protect it. When I reached it, I felt the familiar buzz of a spell. Definitely something I’d experienced before and often. I closed my eyes and reached out, touching its essence with my own magical energy. I recognized the spell immediately, it was the same spell he’d used on the house. If he hadn’t modified it to grant me access, I couldn’t take anything from his desk.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. I reached out to the top drawer on the right, grabbed and pulled. It opened with ease and I lifted random objects to test my permissions. I almost crumbled under the wave of relief that hit me. Eikki had granted me access to every corner of his house and life. Stacks of papers, ledgers, deeds, coins from many different places, and everything else I could ever need. All I had to do was find him.

Reinvigorated by my success in funding my expedition, I returned to the books the library had granted me access to. I read until the clock in the library rang midnight, but came up empty-handed. I stood, fat tears staining the cover of the book I’d been holding. I wiped them angrily and glared at the shelves stacked with books I couldn’t touch.

Something niggled, a barely formed thought in the back of my mind. I’d gone through ten books on magic, I’d learned nothing useful. But maybe now the library would acknowledge I was ready for higher level spells.

I feverishly ran my outstretched arm along the shelves I could reach without climbing up the stairs. A couple more titles allowed me to pick them up. Then a few more. I ran between the shelves and the small table I worked at, stacking it up with fresh tomes to search through. Seven this time. Strong magical number. I wiped the drying tears from my lashes and got to work.

Despite their deeper explanation of magical things, these weren’t the most advanced spell books ever written. I read on the principles of locating objects and people through spells, but it wasn’t enough. The most advanced book was, to my dismay, written in Naru. When it came to elvish languages, I could decipher a few words of Karran. But dark elves, the Naruus in their own tongue, wrote and spoke Naru, not Karran. Eikki was a Narim, it made sense he’d have spell books in his own language. More so since the dark elves seemed to be one of the only races to bother with dark magic.

The alphabet was close enough to Karran, so I stubbornly turned the pages of the old tome, hoping something would jump at me. I used my eyes as much as my magic. Finally, I stopped at a page depicting a spell with some runes that looked a lot like old locating spells I’d seen during my training. The sequence of runes was different, there were more than I remembered as well. I couldn’t understand the instructions, but, as this was for beginner spell casters, there were pictograms as well. I recognized the herbs needed, a map, and a bowl. I could scrap all that together and pour all my magic into it.

I searched through Eikki’s herbs, knowing I’d have to run into the forest if I couldn’t find that particular blue-green one in here. I could have gone to a herb shop in the morning, but I didn’t know the name of this one. And I feared that the shops here wouldn’t have it. It was a dark magic herb in the end. I found it and grabbed it, then picked a bowl from the kitchen.

What map should I use, I wondered? I rummaged through Eikki’s desk and found the largest one I could find. It was in Naru again, but I recognized the different lands and cities dotted throughout it. It would suffice.

I stretched the map on the floor, placing a books over each corner to keep it in place. I filled the bowl with hot water, dunked the herbs in, not knowing if the quantity was important, and sat cross legged at the southern edge of the map. I held the bowl over Zalmos, then dipped a finger in the concoction I’d made. As I drew the runes I’d seen in the book on the bottom of the bowl, I infused each with my magic.

High level locating spells would find the person on the map and show me exactly where they were and in what state. I waited for that flash of images, but nothing came. The bowl shivered and spilled, the dark-green liquid flowing neatly from Zalmos, across forests and hills and rivers. It stopped at the edge of the nearest city, Tallos.

I drew the runes again, poured more of my magical essence into the spell, but nothing else happened. That awareness that Eikki was somewhere, alive, expanded. The more I thought of Tallos, the brighter it burned.

Tired, but happier than I’d been since finding Eikki’s note, I cleaned after my clumsy spell casting and headed for the kitchen. I intended to eat well, stuff my pockets with coins, then leave. It would be dawn soon. I could get horses and ride out to Tallos. That would still take a week. Maybe more.

No, my panther would be faster. If I had enough nourishment, I could run and run, unencumbered by nightfall. My magic would make me swift and strong. No horse could match my speed.

I didn’t shift right away. I doubted anyone in Zalmos loved Eikki. If they’d seen me run off, they might realize something was wrong and try to stop me, return me to my parents. I couldn’t risk it. I wrapped myself into a long, heavy cloak and made my way out of the city and the comfort of familiar streets I’d grown up on.

At the edge of Zalmos, I gazed upon the unknown stretched before me. I’d never been anywhere, not allowed to leave until I’d bonded. Familiars were easily captured and forced into bondings they didn’t want, so travel wasn’t a luxury I’d enjoyed. Had that rule made me weak and worthless? For Eikki’s sake, I hoped not.

Chapter XI – Coming Soon!

Did you enjoy this new installment of Magic Unleashed?

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Thank you!

The post Magic Unleashed – Chapter X – Blunt Magic and Crooked Spells #FreeFictionFriday appeared first on Alina Popescu, Writer.

MAGIC UNLEASHED

Genre: gay romance, gay fiction, fantasy, magic, light BDSM

Main characters: Eikki (spell caster) and Charis (familiar)

Blurb: coming soon! It entails magic, two stubborn men, and lots of steamy stuff (at least somewhere down the line)

Length: Anywhere between novella and novel? Read and see!

Chapter I – Absent Choice

Chapter II – What Makes a Home

Chapter III – Rules of the Game

Chapter IV – Not all the Way Through

Chapter V – Cold, Hard Light of Day

Chapter VI – Herald of Doom

Chapter VII – Of Claims and Bonds

Chapter VIII – Enemies and Truths

You Can Never Go Back Home

I didn’t get a chance to enjoy the quiet of our home, the knowledge it was only Eikki and me for the foreseeable future. The very day after Arris’ departure, a letter arrived. I recognized the wax seal immediately. My family’s. The familiar panther embossed on black wax, its mouth open to show its impressive teeth looked right at me. However, this wasn’t a letter addressed to me. My parents had written to Eikki.

Worry coiled inside me, twisting and killing whatever appetite I’d mustered for our lunch. Despite Arris’ absence, the morning hadn’t been enjoyable. Eikki kept his distance, reacting to everything I did or said with a detached coolness. I didn’t like it. I sensed he was upset with me, and while annoying, he had a point. I hadn’t ever acted this way before Arris had stormed into our lives. How could he trust I wouldn’t revert to my old ways now that he’d given in to my requests.

There was another issue, one that made me snarl and glower. I suspected he missed Arris. He missed the elf who was in love with him. Also his closest friend. And I’d forced him to send Arris away. Sure, Arris had provoked me. He’d sensed my insecurities and turned them against me.

And now this letter than spelled nothing good. In the first year of bonding, families were strongly advised not to interfere. There were exceptions for deaths and other major events. I sighed and walked back into the house, giving up on my walk through the woods in search of new herbs I’d read about.

“It’s for you,” I said lamely, handing the letter to Eikki.

He opened it with smooth, practiced moves and read through it. His serene expression darkened more with every line, a deep frown splitting his forehead by the end.

“Is everything all right?”

Eikki lifted his head and met my eyes. “I can’t say.”

“What do you mean? Is someone sick? Or dying?”

He pressed his lips together and handed me the letter. “Read for yourself.”

I read as fast as I could, then read the short and precise letter again. I could tell from the style and briefness that my father had composed it. Other than that, it made no sense.

“They’re asking you to allow me to visit them, yet they give no reason.”

“Precisely.”

“They’re not supposed to see me during our first year together.”

Eikki shrugged. He looked exhausted, which made me feel even worse. I’d made his friend leave and now my family was requesting things they had no right to ask of him. The letter wasn’t even friendly or especially pleading. More of a demand masquerading as a polite request.

I threw the letter on the floor and plopped down on his lap. “You shouldn’t allow it. They have no right to interfere.”

If someone had told me, even a few days ago, that I’d advise Eikki to deny my family’s request, I’d have suggested they checked themselves for symptoms of insanity. And here I was, holding on to Eikki a little too tightly, and hoping he didn’t allow it.

“They’re worried about you, Kitty Cat. They know nothing of me or my magic. And they had no say in what happened to you. Of course they’d want to see you.”

“Yes, but if you reported their attempts to interfere—”

“No.” He touched his forehead to mine, his breath wafting over my lips, making my skin tingle. “I think it would be good for you.”

My gut turned to sinking stone, the pain so physical, I gasped. “You’re sending me away.”

Eikki said something I couldn’t make out and crushed me against him, his hands tight around me. It still didn’t feel like I was close enough. “I would never do that, Charis. I never want to be without you. It’s only a short trip to Zalmos. Go spend the afternoon with them, have dinner and stay the night. I’ll be here in the morning, waiting for you.”

I clung to him and, to my utter dismay, I whimpered. “It feels wrong. I can’t leave.”

He threaded his fingers through my hair and held me in place. His lips touched mine, slow but precise, and he did his very best to kiss the worry out of me. When he released me, I didn’t feel more at ease. On the contrary, a strange something coiled and lashed out inside me, telling me to stay where I was, by his side.

“I’ll go if you want me to,” I said, my voice breaking as I spoke the words.

“It will do you good, Kitty Cat. You must miss them.”

I did. Yet the idea of being away from him sounded far worse. I didn’t want to upset him any further, especially since I could sense he wasn’t thrilled with the prospect of me leaving.

“Okay then. Can we have lunch first?”

“Of course.”

By the time we were done with our food, I knew I’d made a mistake. I should have left right away instead of waiting. I’d given myself time to consider it and realize I’d be forced to be without Eikki.

I said a rushed goodbye and forced myself out of my dark elf’s home. I took the long, winding road circling around the hill and taking me further into the city, my heart growing heavier with every step. When I reached my old home, the buzz of voices coming through from inside, a flutter of excitement made its way through my gloom. I took a deep breath and knocked. It felt strange to announce my arrival like that, but simply going in as if I was still an intrinsic part of this family felt equally out of place.

“Charis, you’re here,” Mother said from the doorway. No smile, no twinkle in her eyes. She motioned for me to step inside, but didn’t make any move to hug me or kiss my cheek.

Her coldness shattered my heart. She’d always been a warm woman, never guarding her love too closely and showering it on me and my siblings.

“Hello, Mother. It’s good to see you.” The words came out clipped and forced, but there wasn’t much I could do about it.

“Your father is waiting in the greeting room.”

The hurt I’d thought completely obliterated me broke my heart again. The greeting room was for strangers. We huddled together in the kitchen or outside in the garden, laying on large blankets and basking in the sun’s warm touch. I knew I’d no longer find the same sense of belonging here, but I hadn’t expected to be treated like a stranger either.

Without a word, I made my way to the room my mother had assigned to our meeting. Inside, Father sat on a large chair facing the window, his shoulders stiff. He turned his head at the sound of my steps and nodded once. “Charis.”

He’d always called me son. My name was reserved for scoldings. Yes, things had changed since my bonding. A lot more than I was comfortable with.

I sat across from my father, a small, wooden table he’d made separating us. Mother pushed the chair between us closer to my father and sat. She took his hand in hers and squeezed, a little sob escaping her. I searched her face, but nothing there indicated why she’d made that sound. I’d always thought she’d been unable to hide anything. I’d been wrong, as I’d apparently been about a lot of things, starting with my own magic.

“Has the dark elf been treating you well?” Father asked.

“Yes, very well. His home is comfortable, I have everything I could possibly need, and I’m learning a lot.”

Mother whimpered, her face twisted in a grimace of pain. “He’s corrupting you, isn’t he? Teaching you dark magic?”

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “You can’t learn dark magic. You can try to perform dark spells. The magic itself… you’re either born with it, or not. It appears I am a dark magic conduit, despite what the Spell Caster’s Council told us when they’d tested me.”

“Lies,” Father shouted, pushing his upper body forward. “We’re all light magic users in this family. It’s impossible for one of our offspring to harbor any other kind.”

I shrugged, feeling tired and alone. “Then there are two options. I am either not your son, or someone in our family lineage was a dark magic user. Their influence stayed hidden from generation to generation and manifested within me.”

“We were there, Charis,” Mother hissed. “We saw the Choosing. You were on your knees, he forced you. The Council is investigating this bloody dark elf of yours. Once we discover how he made you choose him, we’ll break the bond.”

I laughed humorlessly and stood. “Only dark magic users can break bonds. Eikki is an expert. Perhaps you should inquire about his services. I’m sure he’d give you a fair price, seeing how you are my family.”

Mother’s eyes filled with tears, but she reined them in. “He’s poisoned you.”

“We’ll find a way to rid you of his influence,” Father said, pulling her close to him.”

I ran a shaky hand through my hair and exhaled. “I did not expect this of you. It doesn’t surprise me the mages in the council deceive us about the nature of magic. Dark users frighten them. I didn’t think my family would fall pray to it, or reject me for who I am.”

“You are not a dark magic user,” Mom insisted, her voice pleading. Her will faltered and her tears ran free down her face. For once, I saw how she’d aged, and it quelled my rising anger.

“Mother, Father, I love you. But you are wrong. I know what and who I am. And I am not afraid of it or Eikki. He’s been patient with me, allowing me time to understand and to accept our bond. I won’t stand here and let you throw mud at him.”

Mother covered her mouth with a hand, her entire body shaking with her sobs. Father held her through it, his eyes fixed on me. He didn’t seem upset, more curious than anything. He’d always been eager to learn. Even if, unlike me and my siblings, he wasn’t a familiar. He had some magic, too low to put to proper use. Yet he’d made a good husband to my mother who’d lost her bonded spell caster long before they’d met.

“I’m sorry you’ve been living with this burden. I wish I could have talked to you earlier. There’s nothing nefarious in my bonding. It looks strange, I know. It felt even stranger at the time. It’s different, that part is true enough. But it’s not good or evil. I hope you find it in your hearts to accept it one day.”

“What would have happened if that damned elf hadn’t shown up at our Choosing?” Mother asked, wiping furiously at her cheeks.

“Nothing. I wouldn’t have found a spell caster to bond with. I would have needed dark magic.” I made for the door, eager to leave this place and return to Eikki.

“Son, where are you going?”

Of course Father would give in first. He was the peacekeeper in our little family. I closed my eyes, standing still and waiting. I didn’t want to argue with them, but I wouldn’t let them badmouth Eikki either.

“What does he call you?” Mother asked, her voice so small, I almost didn’t hear her.

It was a strange question to ask, I thought. Then cold shivers ran down my spine. What had they imagined he did to me? “Kitty Cat. He calls me Kitty Cat, Mother.”

“Is it true, about dark magic users becoming their familiars’ lovers?”

I nodded. “It’s how they complete the bond. Why it’s so strong. We haven’t done that yet.”

“Why not? Is it because you do not want it?”

I turned to face her and shook my head. “Because Eikki believes I want it for the wrong reasons.”

She sighed, slumping into her chair, her eyes hollow. “I cannot accept this.”

“Then I must leave.” And leave I did, my heart as hollow as that haunted look of hers. I’d lost my family, in a more brutal way than any familiar I’d known had ever experienced. All of them light magic familiars.

“Charis, wait,” Father said, chasing after me. I stopped in the middle of the street and did not resist when he spun me around and crushed me in a hug. “Give her time, my son. She loves you and she’ll make an effort to understand.”

“It’s not me shunning her, Father.”

“I know, you’re a good boy.” With that, he released me and disappeared back inside.

I stood there for a while, staring at the house I’d grown up with. I’d never understood why people said you could never go back home. Until today. Today I knew what it felt like to lose the one place you’d always expected to be accepted and loved.

My panther egged me on, telling me to run to Eikki,insisting he was my home now, but I couldn’t. I needed time to catch my breath, wrap my mind around everything that had happened. I took the shortest way out of the city, jumping over a few fences and walls, until I reached the cool solace of the woods. I went far into the heart of the forest, seeking familiar sounds and scents of critters and leaves and strange flowers. When I was far enough from any other person, I shifted and curled in on myself.

I woke up in the dark and stretched. For a second, I was at peace. Then the memory of my afternoon barreled in and I whined. I didn’t return to my human form; as a panther, I’d be better at navigating the dark woods at this time of night. I was faster too. And I wanted to go back to Eikki, immediately.

I reached his—no, our home and shifted to my human form as I pushed through the door. Eerie silence greeted me, my heart picking up speed. I tilted my head and closed my eyes, opening my senses to find Eikki. My dark elf wasn’t here. I went from room to room, hoping I’d been wrong somehow.

He’d left a note for me in the library, on top of the book on foundations of magic I’d been reading. Eikki had been called away to help a familiar. He’d be back soon.

I fell on the floor and wept in silence. Another home I’d lost. Not forever, but long enough for me to feel displaced. Abandoned and forgotten.

It took me to the dying hours of the night to pull myself together enough to crawl into Eikki’s bed. I forced my eyes closed and tried to relax. Come home soon, my elf. He was too far to hear me, but I had to believe thoughts had power. That it would reach him somehow. A few minutes later, everything went blank.

Chapter X – Coming Soon!

Did you enjoy this new installment of Magic Unleashed?

If you enjoyed this week’s read and would like more, please consider making your thoughts known. Comment below or share the story with your friends. If you’d like to stay up to date with new chapters of this story, consider subscribing to this blog by email, joining the newsletter, or follow me on my social media profiles. All details for these can be found in the sidebar.

If you want to check out my other published stories, both free and paid, check out the Books section on this website. Following me on Amazon also guarantees you are notified when new books are released.

Thank you!

The post Magic Unleashed – Chapter IX – You Can Never Go Back Home #FreeFictionFriday appeared first on Alina Popescu, Writer.

We’ve talked a lot about world building on this blog. I’ve had guest authors talking about world building and the importance of setting. I’ve been on world building panels at Euro Pride Con (both times I attended). I guess you could say I’m super into world building. It sort of comes with the territory of writing fantasy, paranormal, and science fiction.

First off, what worlds have I created?

A vampire world (Urban Fantasy)
A werewolf world (Paranormal Romance)
Several sci-fi worlds
A witch world (Urban Fantasy)
Several contemporary settings

From Many Worlds to Fewer Shared Universes

The first big merging that I plan on doing is to merge the vampire world (Bad Blood series), the werewolf world (the Tales of the Werewolf Tribes series), and the currently in-development witch world (Witches and Other Misfits – you can read an excerpt of this here).

This one is easy, as the seeds for this were planted from the start (at least in my mind). Alexa, who is the protagonist of Bad Blood (the first three books), had a childhood friend called Vicks. If you’ve read the werewolf books, you know Vicks is a secondary character in the two stories that are already out. I plan to further merge these worlds in a future crossover.

The witch books, featuring Shayla, are also an easy integration. Heck, I’ve already teased Shayla at the end of The Fall of Darkness, which is the third book of Bad Blood. Her witch world will also play a big part in the events of the next three Bad Blood books.

The second merger is currently just a thought, as most of this hasn’t been put on paper. But does anyone remember the lovely small town of Riverbrook? It’s where Travel and Spice protagonist Dante returns for his high school reunion. Dante’s story isn’t location-dependent, much like his travel blogger career, but other things happen in Riverbrook.

Basically, Riverbrook will become the US variant of quaint English villages where murder is the most popular hobby. I have an entire cozy mystery series planned out in that small town. And a spinoff book that will be part of a cozy mystery collaboration with authors Clare Kauter and TA Woods.

Oh, yeah, and there’s a contemporary gay romance series happening in Riverbrook, all centered around an inn. And did I mention OWL Investigations, the LGBT mystery series I am currently working on, has some still unrevealed links to Riverbrook?

The Challenges of Merging Worlds into a Shared Universe

Timelines are the worst! It’s hard to keep track of them through one series, but making sure the timelines of three different series line up? That’s insanity. So… I’m definitely going to do that!

The other challenge is the limited reader crossover. The witch and vampire series are marketed to the same audience. The werewolves? Slightly different.

Supernatural beings galore. Yeah, there will be a ton. The three races I am focusing on and many, many more… All of them with subdivisions. Keeping track of all of them will be a time-consuming project.

Why Merge Worlds? What Are the Benefits of Shared Universes?

Despite the slight difficulty in marketing, there are great benefits in cross-promoting books. I can tease the witch books to the vampire crowd and entice witch fans to try my vampire series. Plus, they might want to try the werewolves and discover the wonderful world of gay paranormal romance.

The second great thing? Once I figure out my world and my rules, I don’t have to rethink them for all the series. I just have them and apply them.

In my particular case, it does help that the existing series only dealt with one type of supernatural so far. So the rules are establish and they work well together. I don’t have to change werewolf rules from other books, because there have never been werewolves elsewhere.

Who Will Love This Idea the Most?

That’s an easy one. My superfans!

Wait, I don’t want to sound like I’m full of myself, but I know of a few people (I still have enough fingers to keep track of them) who read everything I write. And for those readers, seeing hints at other characters they already love will be an extra thing to enjoy.

Plus, it gives me a lot of room to play with interesting concepts like… what would happen if Shiki from Strength to Let Go would run into Anthony from Bad Blood? I mean… can you imagine?

Shiki vs Anthony

I’ve been teasing the Witches and Other Misfits series for a while now. I told you a little bit about my protagonist, Shayla, and how antisocial my witch is. Today it’s time to tease you even further with a little snippet